First Post!

6/20/2008

let the discussions begin...

6/20/2008 05:43:53 am

I thought that Hilary would be the candidate, but Obama meteoric rise was impressive. It is going to get down and dirty. The attacks on are going to be nasty. The establishment will stop at nothing. It is going to be about race, religion,sex,drugs and any and everything. They are going to spare nothing and no one, especially his wife. McCain will try to remain on the high grounds but in these times of talk shows and especially blogs, third parties are going to interject themselves with rumors, half-truths and lies. They will put Obama on the defensive and he will have to spend more time and money defending and explaining, and so his message will be limited and drowned out.....remember what they did to Kerry and McCain,and they were white Americans and war heroes. Obama is African and American. They will accuse him of not being American, they will play on his name, they will talk about his hippy mother......It is not going to be pretty.
There are still 5 months to go .Obama should be far ahead given Bush's unpopularity, but he is not. Many respondents to polls are lying....it is called social fibbing...when they say that they are not influenced by race and colour. He cannot win in the South....yes, he beat Hillary in N.Carolina etc. but only Democrats were voting in the primaries . The Republican base is solid e.g. the Religious Right, but as Reagan showed the Democratic base is less so. Remember all those disaffected Democrats who stayed home or voted for Nader. In the last two elections. What about women who were so strong for Hilarity? Are they going to hold their collective nose and vote for Obama or will they go to McCain or stay home. The only solid base for Obama is Blacks, but they are a minority. The HISPANICS strongly supported Hilary , they did not support Obama . How will respond? Obama has a most difficult time ahead. The media scrutiny will be brutal, especially cable ...they have a lot of time and space to fill and so they will be chasing everything.
Obama must maintain his cool. He has to have a quick response team and must hit back but must ensure that his message gets out.

Comments ?

Steph Doughty

6/20/2008 10:09:54 am

Concerning media scrutiny... yes, it's going to be a rough ride for Obama. They will attack his name, skin colour, and if I'm not mistaken, they will bring up his drug using past. However, if you think back a year and a bit ago, he was just a man whose name was unknown. I remember seeing an article of him in a magazine... they title being something along the lines of "Obama... A Long Shot." And look how far he's come! Despite this, CNN will definately not work to his advantage, because really, CNN doesn't work in anyones favour. It's funny, I remember you clearly stating that Al Gore was going to join the race at the last minute and have a sweeping victory. Hmmm... My point is, nothing is definate. What with everything being subject to change, I don't much believe in polls. But that's me. In general, people rely much to heavily on polls and newscoverage to form their own opinions about politicians... which is useless, because these opinions have been filtered down by those in charge; so already you are using someone else's opinion. Then there are the bloggers... and they vary. Some seek independent sources for knowledge, some not so much. Regardless, they are probably already more in a political set of mind, so probably already have their set views and will probably vote according to them... rather than what specific parties offer, that is, their platforms. It's kind of like, "Well, I'm a Democrat/Republican... who do you think I'm going to vote for?" In that case, I think many Democrats will vote for Obama because he's the candidate representing the party... and the same goes for McCain. Personally, I don't know much about either of their platforms, but I know enough to say that Obama stands for change and McCain, well... not to much. To me, McCain is not what America needs (whether they recognize that is a completely different matter). Obama has his faults, but he's human. More than that, he's idealistic and when he speaks, I believe him. His eloquence resonates truth, which is much more than I can say for McCain. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but that really shouldn't factor in considering that the world is often viewed in quite an apocolyptic manner. Global Warming, Iraq, oil, billions of people starving (and people ridiculously saying biofuels is just what we need), illiteracy, extreme poverty... it goes on. I think what upsets me the most is that when people choose a leader, they often neglect to realize that what their leader does affects the rest of us. For example, when the US refused to sign Kyoto, thereby refusing to try to change set consummeristic and non-ecological patterns (perhaps until Bush had the epiphany to conclude that "Americans are addicted to oil"), we all suffer. We're all in this together. In a sense, we're just as bad. We all like to blame Bush for the wrongdoings of the world (and indeed, he's responsible for his share), but often we're so entirely apathetic or lazy (or both) that really, what difference does it make? We ought to be just as active... we're all stuck on this planet together. Does no one care about what lives our children will lead... let alone the millions, if not billions, of children who are currently suffering? Or do they believe that politicians are not the modus operandi to make that change happen? (yes, off topic) Regardless, I believe in Obama; perhaps he will revitalize our dreams and captivate our souls enough to regenerate our wanning attitudes. But moreover, maybe he will inspire people at least to vote. Not necessarily for him, but just to think about the world, take a moment to consider your situation in life compared to everyone else, and figure out what you can do to make this world a better place to live in. To become a better human being... one who helps someone in need without asking for anything in return. So, despite the rough seas ahead for Obama, hopefully he will inspire people enough to just care. I'm done ranting now--I promise.

Melissa Dimitriadis

6/21/2008 12:07:19 am

Melissa Dimitriadis

6/21/2008 12:39:37 am

I agree with both of you. Obama is in for one rough ride. Although like Steph I am not completely familiar with the platforms for the parties, I do know that after all these years of war it has to end. There needs to be change and a instead of guns and tanks words and speech need to be used. But for that to happen there needs someone who will be able to stand up to a lot of people.
I was in Florida in March, around the time the "scandal" with Rev. Wright came out. I was there the whole week and the whole week they (the media) were discussing this and analyzing it and wondering how it would affect his campain in the future. I remember thinking that these people really have nothing better to do and they really are trying to grasp at anything and everythign to try to make him look bad. Honestly, you are in a church that you have been attending for decades are you really about to stand up infront of a whole bunch of people and say you are wrong. Would any of the other candidates do it? I dont think so. Now that may seem contradicting to what i said about needing someone to stand up to others but is going to chruch and sitting and listening to what is being said the same as standing up in front on millions and asking them to help you change the world. i think not. Our world has become less religious, it is not as important as it once was, but we still go anyways (from time to time) not necessairily becuase we beleive it or because we are going to go out and use that information to do something in the world. I think that many would leave the rev. be and go home and say "well i dont agree with that" and move on. Personally, i dont agree with what the reverand said but i dont disagree either. its a very fine line. But I also think there is a lot missing inbetween those comments. Of course that is what the media is there for, to pick and chose what they want the world to see.
I, like Steph, hope that Obama can stir that desire for change and get many more people to the polls to vote for what they want and have an influence in the future of their lives and the lives of everyone elses.
And just to comment on what Steph said about how others dont consider the effects of their leader on others. I think that would be one very big accomplishment if that can ever be done. We have different parties because we all want everyone else to think and beleive what we want. But you are right that we are all in this together and it is up to the people not the politicans to change the world. We are the politicans, the men and women who are up on parlament are there to represent us, if we dont go and vote to tell them what WE want they will assume we want what they want and that may not be true.
It was absolutely wonderful to discuss politcs with you again Ishwar! I cant wait to get this blog rolling!!!!!

Isvar Jr. link

6/22/2008 12:03:19 am

Hey Pops !

Where are your replies?
Make it public...I need to learn :)

best,
Your Son.

Ishwar Prashad link

6/22/2008 01:19:45 am

Steph, when I stated that Al Gore would enter the race, I felt that The Democratic race would end in a stalemate and the threat of a divisive Convention would lead to a call to Gore [who is now the elder statesman ],to come to the rescue.It did not happen and now we have disenchanted and bitter Hillary supporters threatening either not to vote or to vote for McCain.
Yes poverty,hunger, global warming, millions of refugees streaming across the world etc. all need to be addressed and now. This call for vigorous, innovative and daring leadership.People need to be aware and involved and must set the agenda and not allow the Corporate driven Governments to [e.g.Harper/Bush ] to paper over and obfuscate ........Ishwar

Ishwar Prashad link

6/22/2008 01:40:46 am

Melissa, yes,but
religion is very important in American politics. The Televangelists,preaching fire and brimstone, The Christian Right pontificating on family values, the Catholics......Irish, Italians, Hispanic on the issues of abortion etc,the Hindus on the latest Myers movie, the Jews on the threats to Israel and the Muslims on the Palestinian and Iraqi issues.....these are voters.
They are scandalised by every real and/or imagined slight and therefore the candidates must be awre and on guard. As in the Wright case you are quilty by assossiation.The important issues are shelved and all is drtven by distractions and polls......Ishwar

Ishwar Prashad link

6/23/2008 12:44:39 am

UPDATE......UPDATE.......UPDATE
Re. my assertion that his race and his name will be used against him.........At a fundraiser in Jacjsonville, Florida, Obama warned that " they are going to make you afraid of me...'he is young and inexperienced and he's got a funny name'. And did I mention that he is black":"?
Also in a Washington Post-ABC News Poll, one third of Americans admit racist feelings and close to 50% believe race relations are poor in U.S.A. 6 of 10 Blacks say race relations is "not good " or " poor"
Just over 50% 0f Whites surveyed described Obama as "risky " choice, while 2 of 3 say McCain is : safe ". 60% polled said that Obama's candidacy would " shake up racial status quo ".........Ishwar

Steph Doughty

6/23/2008 02:38:20 pm

You paint quite a grim picture.... I remember last year in class Nathalie had asked you if you thought it were possible for a black man to be elected as president; you said that it was not likely, but in the event that it would happen, he might be assissinated or otherwise taken out of his position. Do you stand by this opinion? Do you think, in the event that he is elected, that some Americans are not ready to handle it? On a sidenote, speaking about faith... could it not be possible that voters who are usually disenchanted (by the same old policy, just different figureheads) will have enough faith to vote for Obama? Or to at least acknowledge that perhaps McCain isn't best for America right now? Or perhaps, that's the point. Maybe America is just so apethetic, they would rather stick to the status quo than be brave and vote for the man (sadly no women are still running...) behind the face. I'm just wondering, but given everything, aren't Americans ready for change yet? I recognize that many don't vote... way to many... but still. Wouldn't the fact that America has the highest proportion of wealthy and poor people in the world be a sort of incentive for the poor to vote? To stand up and decry the status quo? Where has all the hope gone? Or maybe, it's like you said... if poverty is the most degrading circumstance, perhaps people are to far gone to vote. Past the point of hope. AS for the disenchanted Hilary voters... what? They were all keen to vote Democrat and are now going to either be childish and refuse to vote, or vote for McCain--a Republican? What, their enthusiasm for making the world a better place has evaporated? Hmm... I can understand that they are upset, but it seems kind of contrary to all their enthusiasm for political change to just not vote... not care. I'd like more women in political power, too, but I'm not going to neglect voting just because the option isn't there. If anything, I would probably vote for someone who thinks more women should be in office, and thereby wants to change the set ways. As for race, (whatever that really means...) what's the big deal? Are we really still on this? That his skin colour means he is bad? "RISKY"? What are these negative stereotypes that are provoking people to vote Republican, or simply not vote? Well, I'm thoroughly annoyed now. What do you think, Ishwar?

Ishwar Prashad link

6/25/2008 02:44:11 am

Reality is grim.
1. I did say that and I still have my doubts and some Americans' answer to the 'threatening 'has been to take extreme measures.
2.McCain is a war hero and 'safe '. Why not gamble on one term for him? Who knows, he may have some surprises.As to his various positions, remember this, he has to be elected and to get this done he has to play to his base.....they are dogmatic and poyal, more so than the Democratic base.
3. Unfortunately more than 35% 0f Americans are not even registered to vote....mostly the poor....too busy trying to eke out a living......more later as I will be away for a few days.......Ishwar

Melissa Dimitriadis

6/26/2008 12:23:40 pm

Our world is grim. I understand that American's rely heavily on religion. My own personal views on the issue cloud my opinion, and before i talk about it i want to make that clear. I dont understand why religion shoud have any impact, it isnt religion that decides on tax cuts, policies,that chooses if we go to war or not. But religion is implanted into the decicions none the less, like my views can create biases it creates bias for those in charge. That particular incident really bothered me because instead of talking about some of the things he believes in or in what he is trying to change and do they focus on something that is of no real importance. I get talking about it for like a day but some pretty harsh things may have been impied, but they talked about this for a FULL week, everytime you truned on the TV they were discussing this. By the third day i was wondering if there wasnt anything more imporatn going on in the world than that. I understadn why they do focus on it and what the impacts can be but to me it doesnt seem right.

In response to Steph, i dont think the americans are ready for change and i think it is because they give up so easily. Polls play a large part, they see their candidate not in lead, they hear the news that the one they want to win isnt in the lead and they say next time. Very few people have the passion and drive to try to change the world. We probably understand their politcs (well you guys do more than i) better than they do, so for us it is easy to say well this candidate wont do them any good, or that this candidate will do wonders. we have multiple resources at our hands for us to look at these politics and we arent constantly surrounded by one set of values or one type of thinking that can influence our decisions. we are more open to different peoples opinions and views.
But that is just my opinion.

Steph Doughty

6/29/2008 06:02:44 am

But, what I think is most central to this discussion, is why--why are Americans (we can extend this, but I'm trying to focus)not ready for change? Is it fear? I'm sure fear plays a role, no doubt about it. But seriously, don't people ever get tired of the status quo? Or, is it more like what Ishwar was saying, those who are totally disgusted by the status quo are not even registered voters? In that case, where do we go from here? What's that saying... you can only lead a horse to water.

Ishwar Prashad link

7/2/2008 01:43:17 pm

Steph.......The American system was founded by America's first ELITE class.They were more interested in maintaining the system they founded and therefore adopted various devices to ensure this......the Written constitution with an amending clause that restricts change ( only 28 successful amendments out of nearly 10,000 proposals ),the Federal system, the Electoral college for electing the President, the Senate and the Court system.Changes must be gradual and incremental. There have been only 2 times when radical changes took place, and they were done to save the system when it was threatened......The Civil War and The Great Depression.Most other changes, when they infrequently happened, have been mostly cosmetic. It is not merely fear of change. It is the extreme difficulty of bringing about change. This what Barack Obama is up against...........Ishwar

Ishwar Prashad

7/2/2008 01:50:11 pm

Melissa....Religion is very important in American politics. That is why candidates are very careful not to incur the wrath of any group.....Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Fundamentalists Christians, Hindus etc.This is particularly true on social issues.....abortion, prayer in schools, homosexuality, gun control etc. It also affects foreign policy....support for Israel, rejection of policies towards Iraq/ Afghanistan/ Palestine/ Taiwan etc.
On the issue of polls,.......they are a corrosive virus on the body politic. They limit democratic debate, re-inforce the status quo and dupe the populace by posing as scientific. They are nothing more than a reflection of opinions on a particular issue at a specific time. They are yesterday's reaction.More on this later.....Ishwar

Ishwar Prashad link

7/4/2008 07:50:27 am

Steph.......The American system was founded by America's first ELITE class. They were more interested in maintaining the system they founded and therefore adopted various devices to ensure this......the Written constitution with an amending clause that restricts change ( only 28 successful amendments out of nearly 10,000 proposals ),the Federal system, the Electoral college for electing the President, the Senate and the Court system. Changes must be gradual and incremental. There have been only 2 times when radical changes took place, and they were done to save the system when it was threatened......The Civil War and The Great Depression. Most other changes, when they infrequently happened, have been mostly cosmetic. It is not merely fear of change. It is the extreme difficulty of bringing about change. This is what Barack Obama is up against...........Ishwar

Ishwar Prashad link

7/4/2008 07:50:57 am

Melissa....Religion is very important in American politics. That is why candidates are very careful not to incur the wrath of any group.....Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Fundamentalists Christians, and Hindus etc. This is particularly true on social issues.....abortion, prayer in schools, homosexuality, gun control etc. It also affects foreign policy....support for Israel, rejection of policies towards Iraq/ Afghanistan/ Palestine/ Taiwan etc.
On the issue of polls,.......they are a corrosive virus on the body politic. They limit democratic debate, reinforce the status quo and dupe the populace by posing as scientific. They are nothing more than a reflection of opinions on a particular issue at a specific time. They are yesterday's reaction. More on this later.....Ishwar

Steph Doughty

7/5/2008 02:08:46 pm

So, it seems settled: Politians inevitably pander. Sad, really. Where are the statesmen? Almost makes me wish we could have a completely blank slate and start from scratch.

Ishwar Prashad link

7/6/2008 07:14:47 am

Steph......resignation is not the answer. Knowledge is power and that is why those who are knowledgeable have a responsibility to ensure that those who are cortrupting the system, are exposed.
I started this exercise for that reason........ so I hope you will continue to contribute to the effort .....you too Melissa and anyone out there who have been silent so far....get with it.Remember that a waterfall begins with a single drop......Ishwar

Steph Doughty

7/7/2008 02:27:32 am

I'm not resigning, no worries. On another note, I am curious to know who you think will win the election (and for what reasons).

Hannah Deegan

7/7/2008 06:59:56 am

I think the difficulty to bring about change in the USA is the country's fatal flaw, because as the saying goes, "roll with progress, or progress will roll over you". Unfortunately for the Democrats and Obama, the Republicans traditional campaign is a lot more acceptable and idealistic then the progressive approach of Obama's "Change we can believe in" campaign. Bottom line, people hate change.

Hannah Deegan

7/7/2008 07:03:01 am

and by the way, one reason to NOT vote for Mccain even though he is " a war hero and 'safe" is because the whole slow-witted Texan with a safe-sounding name thing didn't work out so well last time.

Angela Morency

7/7/2008 12:35:03 pm

First of all I'd like to say that this discussion is interesting and without getting too personal on my feelings about the United States, I do not think that the American people are ready for change. Let's face it, change is inevitbal but it seems that it is a slow process.
What I have heard from the platforms, Obama is my canidate; however, is America really ready for a black president. Surely we have all read "Roots", where it was discussed that as early as the 1700s/1800s some states were abolishing slavery, however slavery was still taking place. 'Quakers', as refered to in "Roots", fought for change and for the rights of the black peoples. Years passed but blacks were continued to be seen as underclass and I hate to say it, but even non-human. In the 1960s we saw segregation, brutal racism and inequalities. Even though today, progress has been made, it is however slow and still possible to get around to commit injustices. Laws have been developed to see that discrimination does not take place on the basis of one's colour, ethnicity etc, but how justified are those laws when people of colour are still denied jobs and whatever else to sustain a livelihood? How can people put their trust in a law that does not equally benefit or protect everyone?
Is America ready for change? I think that the American people have become comfortable in the way things are done and if they are truly ready for change, I think that today is the day to seize. Throw of the conservative chains and embrace a new politics!
Obama for president!

Ishwar Prashad link

7/7/2008 11:46:51 pm

Yes Angela, some changes have taken place by law but, as you and Hannah point out the will to change is still not with the American people. They see change as a threat......to their values, their power,their perception of what America is. These descendants of immigrants, many of them ,the rejected of Europe, and the persecuted and refugees from eleswhere have become blinkered. They have forgotten from whence they came.
" A week is an eternity in politics " Steph. As of today,4 months to the election, the race is still close. Both sides are targeting their base. This is especially crucial to the Democrats whose base...E.C.BC.GG......, is not as loyal and committed as the Republican's...social conservative. fundamentalist christians,Big Buisness, anti-abortionists, N.R.A. ETC.
The Democrats need to hold the Ethnic vote.......Afro-Americans, Hispanic Jewish .They must not alienate the Catholics. They must maintain Blue Collar support. They have make sure that the Gender Gap remain. Obama has to work hard on each of these, if he is to win. Remember, it only takes about 25% of the registered voters to be elected.......Ishwar

Angela Morency

7/8/2008 12:46:53 am

Yes, I agree that Obama has to work hard to get the public aware of what he would like to contribute to America, but he should work hard. Nothing in life comes easy, and he should work hard to get out his politics. I would not want a president to be president just because. Hard work and determination are great values and if the American people can see this, maybe they can connect Obama's qualities to what he can do for their country. Work hard and with determination to improve America.
As I previously said, change is inevitable; hopefully Obama can be the change that America needs.

Miranda Ramnares

7/8/2008 01:18:58 am

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Hannah Deegan

7/8/2008 06:08:11 am

As afore stated, Obama is fighting an uphill battle, he's pushing for change and everything from his name to his color are going to be used against him. On top of that, Hilary and Obama completely divided and polarized the Democratic Base; they spent months tearing each other part. He will have to work everyday up to election time undoing that damage.
The question is that possible?

Ishwar Prashad link

7/9/2008 01:43:03 am

Thanks all... We will continue to follow the Obama saga....keep the comments coming....
The next issues wiil be in the next blog....do let me know your sentiments....Ishwar

Ishwar Prashad link

7/11/2008 06:37:35 am

HELLO ALL ...CHECK NEW POSTINGS

Jeanie Rich

7/26/2008 12:32:55 pm

I saw on Democracy Now (on Satelite, Link TV) that the Republicans have already "fixed" the 2009 election. They have proven methods of voter manipulation that were outlined on the show last week. Should that fail they can always win in the courts, they have done it before. I am ashamed to be an American.

Ishwar Prashad link

7/28/2008 01:57:57 am

Jeanie/ Carol........The Republicans are running scare, and this is when they are at their most venomous. They will begin their attacks slowly, dorpping hints and innuendos about Obama;s name , his loyalty,his religion and whatever else they can conjure, in order to get him off message.
American politics has been hijacked by big money and their powerbrokesr, what Pres. Eisenhower referred to as " the Congressional, Military, Industrial Complex ".Can there be another Florida, another Ohio or another Supreme Court ? Only if people are uninformed and uninvolved. That is why, this is not the time to despair but to take action and to ensure that people are kept abreast of what is going on.
This is a crucial election.....economically, militarily and internationally. America needs to regain its prestige and leadership.This can be done, but it will not be easy. The economy is dragging everything down, the wars are ever more costly and debilitating and international reputation is badly damaged. Clear realistic policies by competent, trustworthy leadership, willing to take a multilateral approach is the key.
This election offers a choice and not merely : the familiar vs. the new.

Author

Ishwar R. Prashad recently retired from over 47 years of teaching.

He taught Political Science variously at Dawson College, Loyola College, Algoma University College, Sir George Williams University, Concordia University and Vanier College.

Previously, he taught for nine years in Port Mourant, Guyana.

He became Principal of Corentyne Comprehensive High School at the tender age of 21. During this time he turned down Scholarship offers to study overseas in England and the U.S.S.R.

He chose Canada and after graduating from Sir George Williams with a B.A Honours with Distinction, he accepted a Fellowship to complete his graduate work at McMaster University. He completed his first two degrees-Bachelors and Masters- in three years.

His last position was as Co-Ordinator of Political Science and Economics at Vanier College and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Concordia University.

He is married to the former Juliet Ramcharan (Library Supervisor, McGill University) and together they have three children – Indra R. Prashad, P.Eng. ,McGill (Presently Manager, Ontario Safe Water Drinking Agency), Ishwar R. Prashad Jr., B.A ,McGill (Presently, President, Kismit Gear Inc.) and Rabindra Y. Prashad, (Presently, Artist and Chef).They are the proud Grandparents of eight grandchildren-Miranda, Kamal, Ayesha, Élan, Anĵa , Étienne, Chloé, and Jasmine.

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